SENIORS

Prologues

 

“Kalo out should be the same temen, can not be alone.”

 

“Iya, Ma.”

 

“Keep also friends should be choosy. Do not fall into the wrong relationship. You don't know what the relationship is there. Anyway, you have to take good care of yourself. Learn the real.”

 

I sighed softly, then nodded even though I knew Mama couldn't see it. “Yes, Mama. Reva promised to take care of yourself.” It's not that I'm being disrespectful, it's just that Mama's been saying it's the umpteenth time since I set foot in Seoul two days ago. I got tired of hearing it, even the words I had already gotten in my head. I know, Mama must be very worried about releasing me alone in the land of people even for college. Moreover, I am the youngest child. I have a shitty big brother, Rezi his name. He already works at one of the companies in the City where we live. Mama would've spoiled him more because I was gone. Huh.

 

“Yes already, if so Mama closed first, yes. Go to dinner first. Bye, Babe.”

 

“Dahh Mam.”

 

Phone connection disconnected. I put my phone on the table. My eyes looked at every corner of this room. A large room for three people. So, here are three small size rooms for each. Well, at least I can breathe a sigh of relief because we didn't join, considering I'm less comfortable rooming with people I just met. During my studies in Korea, I lived in a dormitory that my university had prepared. It's not that far from my campus. Just by foot I think I've arrived.

 

By the way, I haven't met my roommates because they haven't come yet. That's because I came the earliest of the schedule I should have. To be honest I was curious about them, are they Korean or Korean outsiders? I can't wait to meet new friends.

While waiting for those who are also prospective new students, I tidied up some rooms that looked chaotic because since I arrived in Korea two days ago I did not have time to tidy it up, fatigue factor.

 

Shortly thereafter…

 

I heard someone come in. I quickly saw who he was. A typical Korean-faced girl with long black hair also smiled in front of me, her hands held one suitcase, and the other two suitcases were on her right and left sides. He brought all this stuff alone?

 

I returned his smile. He immediately bowed his body slightly, a sign of respect. Spontaneous I bowed back. “Anyeonghaseo, Revalia Arventa imnida.”

 

“Nde, Annyeonghaseo, kim Minah imnida.”

 

“Please enter.” My bidding is in Korean. Yes, I speak Korean and English. I've learned both languages since first grade High School. That's all I learned to make the dream come true to college here. And thankfully, Mama, Papa, and my brother supported my decision despite the weight of releasing me alone. Oh, I forgot. Except for Rezi, he must be glad I left. His fighting friends are no more now. Although Rezi's sister sucks and we always fight, but she still loves me like her sister.

Minah came in and dragged two suitcases, one other suitcase I brought her in. He looked bad, but I insisted it was okay.

 

“You've tidied it all up?” ask Minah after I take her to her room. His expression was a little surprised to see the entire room was already neat and clean. She was quite pretty, it seemed like I really did not feel confident being around her.

 

I nodded awkwardly, smiling briefly. “Iya. Then I'll go out first, yeah. Please rest, you must be exhausted.” After saying that, I went out of the room. Just as I was about to close the door, Minah called me. My eyebrows shot up as if asking.

 

“We have not yet known. You're just gone. We're gonna be roommates for a long time anyway, right?”

 

The frown on my forehead appeared, didn't I just introduce myself? “Sorry Minah, you already know my name, right?”

 

The girl's slow laugh came out, “I mean, I haven't asked where you're from and how old are you?” He took my hand, forcing me to sit on the edge of his bed.

 

“Ah, I am from Indonesia. I'm eighteen years old. Just finished school.”

 

“Oh? Indoneszian. I salute the way you speak already eloquently like a korean.” He praised me, making me a little bad. Honestly, I don't like to be praised. But, since Minah is my new friend, so I understand her.

 

“Hehe, thank you.”

 

Our conversation had to be interrupted, the bell rang again.

 

I decided to open it, but Minah followed me from behind.

 

“Hi. My name is Christina Chloe.” A blonde and English-faced woman greeted us. Not to forget her smile which I think is very beautiful with her skin which is also very white. Unlike me, I am white compared to my friends and family. However, after seeing Christina I became a little insecure.

Minah smiled, “I’m Kim Minah.”

 I also smile too. “I’m Revalia Arventa. Nice too meet you.”

Let me help you with your stuff.” Minah said in Korean. It seems he doesn't speak English. He immediately brought Christina's things.

 Christina refused, but Minah and I moved quickly.

 “So, Christina, Minah. In what language do we communicate?”

 “I can't Speak English,” Minah said listlessly.

 “Oh? It's okay, I speak Korean. You guys take it easy.”

 Christina's words made Minah and I cheer.

 Ah, it's exciting to have a new friend. Although I was actually sad because I remembered my best friend in Indonesia. Mika, Bunga, Lisa, Adit, and Tyo. I miss them.

 “What majors are you in?” I asked before putting a piece of kimbab into my mouth. We are currently in the dormitory. Fill the empty stomach that had sounded. The atmosphere of the canteen at night is getting crowded, probably because many like to have dinner.

 “I took Business,,” Christina replied.

 “Ku hope so.”

 Mina looked disappointed. “Honey once, I chose Design.”

 “Tak what. The important thing is we keep the room, right?” Christina laughs.

 The three of us laughed together. Getting to know new people is not so bad. I was very careful in choosing friends, especially new people. You could say I am a difficult person to quickly blend with the surrounding. There is always an anxiety in me every time I meet something new. To decide to go to Korea, it took me a long time to prepare myself. Parting ways with Mama, Papa, and Brother Rezi. All the fears I put aside for an ideal. I don't want to just because it's my dream to be blocked. I will prove that an introvert like me can succeed and succeed.

 

******

 

Sunday morning. I've been preparing to go around Seoul City with Christina. Tomorrow I start going to college, which means I'm officially a mom. Minah didn't come with us because she said she was going out of nowhere with her friends. Minah has a lot of friends in the same dorm. Obviously, he is Korean. Hehe.

 “Already?”

 “Let’s go.”

 We walked outside the dormitory. My lens looked around, the freshmen walking down the corridor in hasty strides as if being chased by time. For me it's a bit strange because in Indonesia alone the people are walking accordingly.

 “Bruk-“ Someone bumped into me, made my body fall over greeting the floor. A small ringisan came out as I felt pain in my buttocks.

 Christina quickly helped me stand up, “Nearly you were stepped on, your body is very small, Reva. If you're not careful, it's dangerous for you.” His face looked panicked and worried.

Yes, this time it is my fault that the body is too small. It's too easy to get hit, kidnapped, and knocked down. Even my height only reached Christina's chin and Minah's ears. Here's how, little man's risk.

 “Ya already, come on. Don't think about it too much. I'm fine.” I asked him to leave immediately. Not talking about anything unimportant.

 Christina just shook her head. He's following me.

 In Korea it is autumn. What a beautiful season. Where the leaves fall. Really, I'm really happy to be here. A clear, clear blue sky accompanied by a thin cloud. The air is cool even though the sun shows its light.

I asked Christina to take some pictures of me in various poses. After that, alternately, I took the picture. And finally, we took selfies.

 

The people here seem to really like autumn. A lot of families go out on weekends. They seem to enjoy it. I hope my country can be pollution-free like Korea, as well as garbage that is barely scattered everywhere. Neat, cool, and also the atmosphere is soothing.

Christina and I walked to the park near the river. Again, take some pictures of us. Ah, pleased. After this I will show Mama, Papa, and Brother Rezi.

 “Reva, I think we need breakfast.”

 “Oh yes? I forget. I was hungry too, but because the view was too good I just ignored it. Hehe.” My grin seemed, Christina quickly asked me to go to a restaurant. The girl was really eager to eat, but strangely her body was still thin. Yeah, I'm skinny too, anyway. But not as good as Christina.

 

The location of the restaurant is quite far, so to go there we drove the subway, the cost is about 1,350 won.

 

“Christina, which country are you from, anyway?” The question I was about to ask you yesterday, I finally remembered.

 “America.”

 “You're alone in Korea?”

 Christina sighed softly, then nodded.

 I smile, “it looks like our fate is the same.”

 “Stay away from me, your dog stinks a lot!” a grandmother said with a slight scream. The look on his face was sour, looking unhappy with the presence of passengers standing in front of him holding dogs. Of course it caught my and Christina's attention.

 Me and Christina who were sitting not far from the commotion were a little surprised.

A young girl who brought the dog did not accept the lotus, she replied. “Enak just call my dog stinks! Your real nose is not right, old grandma!” His voice also rose by several octaves.

 The other passengers were not injured, they were indifferent as if there was nothing. Focus on each activity. Me and Christina compactly frowned watching him. Are their ears not working anymore?

 “My nose is fine. Your dog stinks so much, stupid!”

 “Yak!” The dog owner is emotionally disturbed.

 I decided to stop the commotion, but Christina immediately restrained my arm. He said “let that be their business. I don't want you to get into such trivial matters. Already, just sit here,” he said reminded. I obey. There's a point, after all, I don't know much about Korea and its citizens. About what their relationships are like, their nature, and their culture. Please note, I am not a K-pop fan nor a K-drama. So I really don't know much about Korea other than my University, Korean, and the food. Speaking of food, I'm getting hungry.

 “I wonder, why the hell are other passengers careless, huh? Like not distracted.” This time I asked Christina seriously, maybe she knows a lot about Korea.

“They are mostly individualists. Don't care about things that aren't their business. Yes, although there are also those who care for sure.”

 “Is that?”

 Christina nodded steadily.

 “Before you have been to Korea?”

 “Already. Ten times. Vacation with family.”

 I was shocked to hear Christina's words. “That means you already know a lot about Korea, right? Then you can be my guide if you go for a walk. Okay?” I grinned, she laughed happily looking at my face,”Reva, I just realized you are so cute.” We laughed again.

Some people saw me and Christina talking, strangely with an indecipherable look. When I realized it, I whispered in Christina's ear, “Why are we being seen then, anyway? We are just talking.”

 

Then, Christina invited me to speak Korean. I was a little surprised because we spoke English. And suddenly he replaced it, obviously I was confused. Even so, I still answered.

 

And miraculously, the few people who were watching us with such an unpleasant look instantly changed the look on his face slightly surprised. I don't know, I don't understand any of the weirdness I've encountered in the last few hours. I think this is weird. But, I don't want to ask Christina much first.

Arriving at the destination restaurant, we ordered some food. And then we ate it with great food.

 

For Korean food, I really like kimbab, bulgogi, kimchi with rice, and tteokbokki. I ordered everything I called. Christina looked surprised to see the portion of my food, the pale white girl mocked me by saying I would be fat in a few months. I just laughed back at him.

 

Christina ordered Japche, samgyetang, kimchi jjigae, and Samyang. The portions are not much less than me either. “Hey, you eat a lot too, right? That means we're the same,” my reply won't take.

He laughed, “iya. The difference is, I remain thin and you remain unbiased. Hahaha.”

My cheeks are bulging, but there's a point to what he's saying. Then, without further ado, we immediately ate voraciously.

 It's nice to have a new friend who seems to be a good fit for me. We have a few things in common, including eating.